Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5487

Caption

A bill to provide PreCheck to certain severly injured or disabled veterans, and for other purposes.

Impact

The enactment of SB5487 would amend Section 44927 of Title 49, United States Code, thereby expanding the PreCheck Program to eligible veterans at no cost. This move is designed to enhance the travel experience for a significant segment of veterans who face mobility challenges due to their service-related disabilities. The collaboration between the TSA and the VA is mandated for the implementation of this benefit, which should occur within one year of the bill's passage.

Summary

SB5487, known as the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act or the VETS Safe Travel Act, aims to provide free security screening under the TSA PreCheck Program to certain severely injured or disabled veterans. The bill specifically targets veterans who meet criteria set forth by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including those with service-connected disabilities such as loss or loss of use of extremities, paralysis, or permanent blindness. The objective is to facilitate the air travel experience for these veterans, making it less burdensome by allowing them to use the expedited screening processes that the PreCheck Program offers.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding SB5487 could include the limitations on the availability of the PreCheck benefits, as they are contingent on the veteran's ability to pass the necessary background checks and meet eligibility requirements set by the TSA. Moreover, some stakeholders may question the sustainability of funding the program without passing increased fees onto other participants of the PreCheck Program, raising concerns about the financial mechanics of implementing such a benefit.

Implementation

The bill mandates a joint effort from the TSA and the VA to ensure effective outreach regarding the new program, which includes assessing awareness levels among disabled veterans and improving the overall security procedures for their travel. Transparent communication with relevant organizations and stakeholders will be essential in ensuring that eligible veterans can access these services, underscoring the collaborative nature of the initiative aimed at better serving those who have served in the military.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB10369

To improve the emergency management capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB10396

To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnishes certain non-opioid pain medications to veterans, and for other purposes.

US SB5455

A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program for the construction and renovation of committal shelters at State-owned veterans' cemeteries, and for other purposes.

US HB8645

Improved Screening for Veterans and Passengers with Disabilities Act

US HB10487

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide temporary firearm storage to veterans who seek to store their firearms outside of their residence due to certain mental health conditions, and for other purposes.

US SB812

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans may obtain a physical copy of a form for reimbursement of certain travel expenses by mail or at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US SB5638

A bill to secure the supply of drugs in the United States, and for other purposes.

US HB71

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act This bill requires the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to improve the ability of veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system to access hospital care, medical services, and extended care services through the covered care system by providing such veterans with the ability to choose health care providers. Under the bill, the covered care system includes VA medical facilities, health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), and eligible entities or providers that have entered into a Veterans Care Agreement. A veteran participating in the program may elect to receive care at any provider in the covered care system. The pilot program removes certain requirements (e.g., location of the veteran) to access care at VA and non-VA facilities. After four years, the bill permanently phases out the requirements for accessing care under the VCCP and Veterans Care Agreements and requires the VA to provide such care under the same conditions of the pilot program. Additionally, after four years, veterans may receive care at a VA medical facility regardless of whether the facility is in the same Veterans Integrated Service Network as the veteran.

US SB5454

A bill to update the United States policy towards Hong Kong, and for other purposes.

US HB1671

Justice for Vaccine Injured Veterans Act of 2025

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.